In Loving Memory of Lucina “Darling” George Collins

Lucina George Collins, affectionately known to family and friends as “Darling,” was born in Tunapuna, Trinidad, to Alexander George and Martha Duncan. After 88 years of a life filled with faith, family, service, laughter, and love, Lucina departed this life on August 1, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

To know Lucina was to know a woman whose life was centered around caring for others. A devoted Catholic and woman of deep Christian faith, she carried her beliefs throughout her life—not simply through words, but through the love, generosity, and care she showed to those around her.

In the late 1980s, Lucina made the courageous decision to migrate from her beloved Trinidad to the United States in pursuit of greater opportunities and a better future for her family. Leaving behind the country she knew and beginning a new chapter in America required tremendous strength, determination, and sacrifice. Like so many of the choices she made throughout her life, this journey was motivated by one of the things that mattered most to Darling—the betterment and well-being of her family.

She carried her Trinidadian roots, traditions, values, and love of family with her as she established a new life in the United States. Although America became her home, Trinidad remained an important part of who she was and of the legacy she passed on to the generations that followed.

Her nurturing spirit also extended into her professional life. Lucina worked as a professional baby nurse in New York City, where she was entrusted with caring for the infants and children of prominent families. Caring for babies was more than an occupation for her; it reflected the patient, loving, and nurturing spirit that was so much a part of who Darling was.

Yet, of all the children she cared for throughout her life, none could compare to the tremendous love she had for her own family.

Lucina was the beloved mother of the late Erskine, Gillian, and Garth. Her family continued to grow, blessing her with five grandchildren: Kareem, Kashief, Ashanna, Kaylee, and Hunter, and three great-grandchildren: Kael, Kacey, and Julian.

Darling loved her family, and she loved them hard. Her love was fierce, protective, and unmistakable. When she cared about you, you knew it. She celebrated the accomplishments of those she loved, cared for them in times of need, and treasured every opportunity to have her family together.

The holidays held a particularly special place in her heart. Darling loved celebrating with family and embraced the joy that came from everyone gathering together. The holidays were an opportunity to cook, laugh, share stories, enjoy one another's company, and create memories that her family will carry with them for years to come.

And wherever Darling was, there was bound to be personality.

She was famously feisty, full of character, and never one to be left without a response. She had a quick wit and could deliver a comeback at just the right moment—often leaving everyone around her laughing. Those who knew her well knew that Darling could make her feelings known, and there was rarely any question about what was on her mind. That spirited personality was part of what made her so unforgettable.

One of the greatest expressions of Lucina's love could be found in her kitchen. She loved to cook, but even more than cooking, she loved feeding the people she loved. Preparing a meal was one of the ways Darling cared for her family. Anyone fortunate enough to have eaten her cooking knew that her food contained something no recipe could fully capture: the love of the woman who prepared it.

And anyone who sat at Darling's table knew one thing for certain: you were not leaving hungry.

Her creativity could also be seen through her love of sewing. With her own hands, she could transform fabric into something beautiful, including a memorable outfit she lovingly made for her granddaughter Ashanna. What she created became more than clothing; it became another expression of her love and a piece of the family's history.

Throughout her 88 years, Lucina experienced the many seasons that make up a lifetime. Through them all, she remained a woman of faith, resilience, strength, humor, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

There is sadness today because a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, relative, and friend is no longer physically among us. But Darling's story does not end with her passing.

It continues when the family gathers for the holidays and remembers the celebrations she loved so much.

It continues when one of her dishes is prepared and someone says, “Darling used to make this.”

It continues when someone remembers one of her witty comebacks and cannot help but smile.

It continues through the things she created with her hands, the countless children she cared for, the lessons she passed down, and the generations of her family who carry a part of her within them.

Her children carry her story.Her grandchildren carry her memory.Her great-grandchildren carry her legacy.

And although future holidays and family gatherings will feel different without her physical presence, the love she poured so deeply into her family will still be there—at the table, in the laughter, in the stories, in the food, and in the memories.

Lucina “Darling” George Collins lived for 88 years, but the love she gave will live for generations.

May she rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord she faithfully served, and may her memory forever remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Rest peacefully, Darling.

Your work here is complete, your family carries you with them, and your love remains forever.